SDLP South Down MP Margaret Ritchie has expressed concern at another major fire on the former Downe Hospital site in Downpatrick.

This is the third fire on the site in just a matter of weeks. Ms Ritchie has been lobbying DSD, the South Eastern Trust, Down District Council and the Strategic Investment Board to work together to make the site secure and regenerate it.

Two weeks ago she brought the Social Development Minister Nelson McCausland to the site and has urged him to draw up a masterplan to redevelop the area.

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She said: "It is deeply regrettable that yet another fire has been started on this site and it further reinforces the need for government to take immediate action to regenerate the area. I know that residents living near the former health facility, particularly those in John Street and St Dillon’s Avenue, are extremely fed up at these continued arson attacks.

"It is important that there is close collaboration now between DSD, the South Eastern Trust, Down District Council and the Strategic Investment Board to secure this site and drive forward a redevelopment plan for this area of Downpatrick to reinvigorate our town and benefit our community.

"I have had meetings with these agencies on this issue as well as the Social Development Minister who I have urged to produce a masterplan for this site. The SDLP will continue to push for a strategic improvement plan for this part of Downpatrick."

(CD/GK)